FILE: 2024-539, 673, 679, 683

Port Moody Police are once again warning the community of a well-known scam which has recently resurfaced and swindled seniors of tens of the thousands of dollars.

On February 15, 2024, Port Moody Police received three separate reports of “Grandparent” scams, one was attempted and two were completed – totalling $12,000 in losses. In all of the cases, a suspect called the elderly victim and stated they were a grandchild and in need of cash due to some sort of legal matter (for example, a car crash or bail money). Cash was retrieved from the bank and handed over to the suspect who attended their residence. The files remain under investigation at this time.

Additionally, there have been other reports of similar frauds in Port Moody. In one instance last week, an elderly couple was defrauded $21,000 under very similar circumstances.

“We are notifying the public of these frauds in hopes of preventing further incidents” states Constable Sam Zacharias. “We strongly encourage our community to engage with their elderly loved ones and have a conversation about this scam.”

It is important to note that police do not ask for money. If you receive one of these phone calls you are asked to hang up and call your local police immediately.

Constable Sam Zacharias, #122
Media Relations Officer, Port Moody Police Department
(t) 604-461-3456 (f) 604-461-1734
sam.zacharias@portmoodypolice.com